Dojo (ML)

Dojo puts you in a ninja tournament where every decision matters. Under the watchful eye of Master Makatsu, players compete to prove their mastery. But here, winning does not mean gaining points… it means avoiding them. This clever twist makes it a highly engaging strategy game with simple rules and deep decisions.

Each player has their own deck of 24 cards numbered 1 to 8 across three colours. In each round, players play two cards, then compare results. For each colour, the highest card earns penalty tokens. The challenge is that these penalties increase in value across the three phases of the game, forcing players to think ahead and manage their timing carefully. As shown in the official rules, played cards are removed from the game while unplayed cards carry forward, adding a strong layer of hand management .

This simple system creates surprising depth. Should you play high cards early to avoid worse outcomes later? Or hold them for key moments? Every choice impacts future rounds, making Dojo a compelling family game that also appeals to strategy enthusiasts.

You will enjoy Dojo if you like games that are quick to learn but rewarding to master, with meaningful decisions every turn. It is especially great for players who enjoy timing, anticipation, and tactical play.

An interesting fact: Dojo, also known as Meister Makatsu, follows the design philosophy of Reiner Knizia, famous for elegant systems with strong strategic depth. The idea of avoiding points rather than gaining them is a hallmark of many of his acclaimed designs.

Designed by Dr Reiner Knizia and illustrated by Sonja Müller, Dojo showcases how minimal rules can deliver a rich and engaging gameplay experience.

BOX CONTENTS
144 cards (6 dojo decks of 24 cards)
44 penalty tokens
1 Master Makatsu token

Number of players: 2 to 6
Playing time: 30 minutes
Age: 8+